Data Brief Spotlights Toddler Deaths by Drowning in Volusia County

DAYTONA BEACH - The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County reminds residents and visitors to use caution when enjoying water activities this summer, particularly parents of toddlers.

A recent Healthy Volusia data brief takes a closer look at toddler drownings and finds toddler drowning death rates in Volusia County have exceeded the state age-adjusted rate in Florida. Pool safety is everyone's responsibility and the Department of Health’s Water Proof Florida initiative encourages everyone to learn the steps you can take to secure your pool and protect Florida’s children.

Adults can help to prevent drownings by using these three layers of protection:

Layer 1. Supervision: Supervision, the first and most crucial layer of protection, means someone is always actively watching when a child is in the pool.

Layer 2. Barriers: A child should never be able to enter the pool area unaccompanied by a guardian. Barriers physically block a child from the pool.

Layer 3. Emergency Preparedness: The moment a child stops breathing there is a small, precious window of time in which resuscitation may occur, but only if someone knows what to do. Even if you're not a parent, it’s important to learn CPR. The techniques are easy to learn and can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby and immediately call 911.

For more information, please visit our website volusiahealth.com or waterproofFL.com.

###

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.